Agreed, but what's the appropriate amount before you start to sell items? 20? 50? 100?

There's not really an appropriate amount, it's just that the more you have the better you look to potential buyers; provided your feedback rating stays close to 100

20 would probably be enough; I don't think you would need to wait for 50.

I've only bought thus far as well, but I was told via eBay email that I may have been the victim of a 'spoof' as pointed out above, asking for new info update, or my account suspension. I would use my checking as I no longer have a credit card active, but have not been asked formally to give new info, and I pointed out I'd even do it via telephone so to avoid internet fraud.

I'm sure they will work with you to make you comfortable as they value their customers. I've used eBay since I got online and love it...although there are other auctions, few match the size and diversity, if any
BILL

Don't use Paypal, they're a known scam operation. Thousands of people get their bank accounts cleared out every year by Paypal (all legal under the usage agreement too, you give Paypal complete control over your bank account when you sign up with them).
If Paypal is required to use eBay, don't use that either.

Afraid I´m going to have to disagree with you on this one, jwenting. I´ve spent some time investigating your statements here, and even though you are on target with most (not all ) of your posts, this one is off base.

I´ve gone through my usage agreement with a fine tooth comb and can find no statements that give Paypal any rights to your bank account at all. They certainly have all rights to your Paypal account. But the only person who can transfer payments in and out of your personal bank account is you. They do certify your account in the beginning by sending two very small transfers in but after that, there is no access to the personal bank account by them.

If you are only using a personal paypal account and not a commercial one, they won`t even allow more than $500US to be transferred per month, so there is even a liability limit involved with the system.

If you are going to make such a blanket statement about their service, I suggest you provide us the source for such an accusation...

i've used paypal and not had any problems from them. ebay on the other hand.... hmmmmmmmmm let me think about that.

I have some recent problems with my own memory or other events like my car breaking down that sellers or others I'm doing transactions with seem to ignore, I leave room for life getting in the way of online searches, activity, etc, however the one thing I feel truly lacking from this experience in particular is people just taking the time to contact via email or even sharing phone numbers, something to let each person trading know they haven't been left high and dry... A deal went south because I had forgotten to send out the payment for an item, the seller sent the remit payment back and left bad feedback anyway.
Another instance left me with a reciept but no item or contact... If the address were close, I'd go see if it actually existed in fact... It worries me that these are people with established feedback too, very odd!
BILL

I know this is old but I'm using Ebay and so have interest in discussion.
I mostly buy, I mostly buy computers and monitors, I mostly buy Broken computers and monitors, and occasionally sell.

The original post here was the same as my feeling about Ebay/ Paypal checking account access. I did not want anyone in my checking! and I told them so.
But a year later and I'm glad I signed up anyway.
I've found that Paypal is a Painless way to pay for, yes I'll say it, crap.
If your the Home Shopping Network addict type you better stay away.
If your the 2AM, kind of drunk, buying As seen On tv, type, no no.
If your the, I'm not savvy enough to recognize a Phish E-mail, you will be hooked and caught, I was.
Who ever got into my account within minutes had posted hundreds of Ipods and Nokias for sale. To thier credit, Ebay shut them down imediately and informed me to simply change the password.

I do find it to be convenient and fun so like most things I don't take myself too seriously.

yer i had the same, it amazes me how much information the `require`, just be sure its `https://my.ebay.co.uk` or .com if ur in the us. :d

darren

Yes, that and paypal both want a ton on info...
Just remember... The only ppl that get rich from ebay... is ebay...